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Quick answer: The Cuisinart Griddler Five is the best overall panini press for most households because it combines a capable sandwich press with reversible grill and griddle plates, open-flat cooking, digital controls, and removable dishwasher-safe grates. For a premium seven-in-one appliance, choose the GreenPan Elite Multi Grill & Griddle. For the strongest high-heat and temperature-control package, choose the Breville Smart Grill. The Hamilton Beach 25462Z is the simpler dedicated-press choice, while the Chefman four-slice model offers the most capacity at a budget price.
This guide uses Food Network’s documented February 5, 2026 testing for the models it evaluated, together with current manufacturer and retailer specifications. The appliances were not independently handled or tested by this publication, so hands-on findings are attributed rather than presented as first-person test results.
The five best panini presses at a glance
| Pick | Best for | Notable features | Price snapshot* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart Griddler Five | Overall versatility | Five-in-one design, reversible plates, LCD controls, sear function, open or closed cooking | $149.95 |
| GreenPan Elite Multi Grill & Griddle | Premium combination cooking | Seven cooking configurations, independent temperature controls, four-position adjustable cover, optional or bundled waffle plates | About $319.99–$399.99 |
| Breville Smart Grill BGR820 | High heat and control | 1,800 watts, electronic thermostat, LCD, removable plates, 260-square-inch open-flat surface | $349.95 |
| Hamilton Beach 25462Z | Simple dedicated pressing | 10-by-8-inch cooking surface, floating lid, locking cover, upright storage | Varies by retailer |
| Chefman RJ02-180-4-R | Budget four-slice capacity | Opens 180 degrees, floating hinge, removable drip tray, compact storage | $49.99 |
*Prices, bundles, sellers, and stock status are snapshots and can change. Verify the exact U.S. model and included plates before buying.
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How the tested selections were evaluated
Food Network’s documented test process included manual inspection, browning plain bread, making grilled cheese, preparing a thicker sourdough, ham, and Gruyère sandwich, tasting the results, and evaluating cleanup. That testing supports the Cuisinart as its best overall machine and the GreenPan as its best combination press. Food Network also named a Chefman electric panini grill its best value and the Dash Pocket Sandwich Maker its best pocket sandwich maker.
Those results do not mean every current listing is identical to the unit tested. In particular, the current Chefman RJ02-180-4-R is a four-slice model, while Food Network’s value test involved a Chefman model that must be matched carefully before every test observation is applied to the current SKU. Breville’s placement also draws on a separate 2026 editorial roundup that selected the BGR820XL as its overall panini-press choice; that is an external assessment, not independent testing by this publication.
1. Cuisinart Griddler Five: best overall
Best for: Shoppers who want one countertop appliance for panini, grilled cheese, burgers, pancakes, griddled foods, and other indoor cooking.
#1 Best Overall
- HUNGRY FOR A SANDWICH? With just the push of a button, this 4 Slice Grill-Panini Press Combo can be used to press your custom sandwich or open at 180 degrees for grilling burgers, steaks, veggies and anything else you’re craving quickly and easily! Use it as a panini press for perfectly crisped bread- no cooking spray required.
- ADJUSTABLE FOR ANY OCCASION: Floating hinge adjusts to accommodate any size sandwich – thick or thin. The closed cooking surface is ideal for four sandwiches or two large paninis. Great for a quick meal, summer party or a family event. This unit is perfect for making breakfast, lunch, dinner and more!
- COMPACT SIZE: Ideal for small kitchen spaces, dorm rooms, offices, and even bringing on road trips! The compact size takes up little counter or shelf space making storing your contact grill easy.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The tilt-up, skid resistant feet allows the grease to run to the drain at the back of the closed panini maker. The non-stick coated grill plates and removable drip tray makes for effortless cleaning.
- RESOURCES: UL approved with advanced safety technology for long lasting durability, & 1-year assurance provided by Chefman, so you can purchase worry-free - we've got your back! For information on how to use your product, scroll down for a PDF User Guide. 1000 Watts/120 Volts – RJ02-180-4
Why it stands out: The Cuisinart Griddler Five is more useful than a sandwich-only press without reaching the price of the premium combination grills. Cuisinart describes it as a redesigned five-in-one Griddler with reversible grill and griddle plates, an LCD display, digital controls, a sear function, and a floating cover. It can cook with the lid closed or open flat, so the same appliance can press a sandwich, grill food, or provide a griddle surface.
Food Network’s testing praised its versatility, intuitive controls, nonstick plates, dishwasher-safe grates, and reversible cooking surfaces. Those removable grates are a major practical advantage: they can be taken out for more thorough cleaning instead of forcing the owner to wipe around a permanently attached hinge and plate.
The principal compromise is size. Food Network lists the tested machine at approximately 13.5 by 11.5 by 7 inches and 8 pounds. That is manageable on a countertop but not especially convenient if the appliance must be moved into a cabinet after every use. It is also more machine than needed for someone who only makes an occasional grilled cheese.
Important model check: Cuisinart’s current product page identifies the active Griddler Five as GR-5BNAS. Retailers and older references may show GR-5NAS, GR-5B, or GR-5BP1. Confirm the exact SKU, plate set, warranty, and seller before ordering. The manufacturer’s current price snapshot is $149.95, with a three-year limited warranty.
Choose it if
- You want both sandwich pressing and broader grill or griddle capability.
- Removable, dishwasher-safe plates matter to you.
- You value digital temperature and sear controls.
- You have room to store an approximately 8-pound appliance.
Look elsewhere if
- You want a small, inexpensive sandwich-only appliance.
- You need a very large open-flat cooking area.
- You do not want to compare nearby Cuisinart model numbers and plate bundles.
2. GreenPan Elite Multi Grill & Griddle: best premium combination press
Best for: Cooks who want a panini press that can also replace a waffle maker, grill, and griddle.
Why it stands out: GreenPan’s Elite Multi Grill & Griddle is the most expansive appliance in this group. It supports seven configurations: contact grill, contact griddle, mixed grill and griddle, open grill, open griddle, and waffle cooking, with the manufacturer’s product descriptions covering the complete seven-in-one format. Reversible cast-aluminum plates, independent temperature controls, a four-position adjustable cover, a removable drip tray, and a sear function make it considerably more flexible than a basic press.
Food Network named it the best combination press in its 2026 tested roundup. The publication praised the wide cooking surface, power, adjustable heat, included waffle capability, and ceramic-coated cast-aluminum plates. The practical benefit is not just the number of modes: independent controls allow the two sides to be set differently when using mixed grill and griddle configurations.
GreenPan uses its Thermolon Volt ceramic nonstick coating and describes the cookware as PFAS-free. That is a manufacturer product specification, not an independent conclusion that every use condition is risk-free. Follow the care instructions, avoid overheating an empty plate, and use only the utensils and cleaning methods permitted by the manual.
Price is the main barrier. Current GreenPan pages show snapshots of roughly $319.99 for the appliance without waffle plates and about $399.99 for a waffle-plate bundle. Some variants have been temporarily out of stock. Check whether the selected listing includes waffle plates rather than assuming every Elite package does.
Rank #2
- HUNGRY FOR A SANDWICH? With just the push of a button, this Grill-Panini Press Combo can be used to press your custom sandwich or open at 180 degrees for grilling burgers, steaks, veggies and anything else you’re craving quickly and easily! Use it as a panini press for perfectly crisped bread- no cooking spray required.
- ADJUSTABLE FOR ANY OCCASION: Floating hinge adjusts to accommodate any size sandwich – thick or thin. Closed cooking surface of 5.5'' x 8.75'' is ideal for two sandwiches, while lay-flat surface of 10'' x 8.75'' can accommodate a variety of food. Great for a quick meal, summer party or a family event.
- COMPACT SIZE: Ideal for small kitchen spaces, dorm rooms, offices, and even bringing on road trips! The compact size takes up little counter or shelf space making storing your contact grill easy.
- EASY CLEANING: The tilt-up, skid resistant feet allow the grease to run to the drain at the back of the closed panini maker. The non-stick coated grill plates and removable drip tray makes for effortless cleaning.
- RESOURCES: UL approved with advanced safety technology for long lasting durability, & 1-year assurance provided by Chefman, so you can purchase worry-free - we've got your back! For information on how to use your product, scroll down for a PDF User Guide. 1000 Watts/120 Volts - RJ02-180
Choose it if
- You genuinely expect to use several cooking modes.
- You want independent heat controls and a height-adjustable cover.
- You need a wider surface than a compact sandwich press provides.
- You are comfortable paying a premium for one appliance to replace several.
Look elsewhere if
- You mainly make one or two panini.
- Counter space, cabinet space, or lifting weight is a concern.
- You are comparing prices without checking whether waffle plates are included.
3. Breville Smart Grill BGR820: best high-control premium grill
Best for: Cooks who prioritize high heat, electronic temperature control, removable plates, and indoor-grill capability.
Why it stands out: The Breville Smart Grill BGR820 is built more like a serious indoor grill than a basic sandwich maker. Breville lists an 1,800-watt heating system with embedded heating elements, an electronic thermostat, an LCD display, brushed stainless-steel construction, cast-aluminum nonstick plates, a removable drip tray, and dishwasher-safe removable plates.
It can open flat to create 260 square inches of cooking surface. That matters when the appliance will cook more than sandwiches: an open grill can handle a larger batch of food than a closed contact press, although the open position also requires more counter clearance. Breville positions the machine for both high-sear grilling and sandwich preparation.
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A separate current 2026 roundup selected the BGR820XL as its best overall panini press, highlighting high searing temperature, preset cooking zones, and the floating hinge. Treat the BGR820 and BGR820XL labels carefully: Breville’s U.S. product page currently uses the BGR820 family name, while other listings use BGR820XL. Verify the precise U.S. SKU, voltage, plate configuration, and warranty at the point of purchase.
At a listed $349.95, this is substantially more expensive than the Cuisinart and budget presses. Its larger format also makes it a poor fit for a small kitchen where the appliance must be stored after each use. The premium makes sense when temperature control and broader grilling performance will be used regularly, not simply because the sandwich press looks more substantial.
Choose it if
- You want precise electronic control rather than a fixed heat profile.
- You will use the appliance for searing and open-flat grilling as well as panini.
- Removable dishwasher-safe plates and a drip tray are high priorities.
- You can accommodate a larger, more expensive appliance.
Look elsewhere if
- You need the lowest-cost way to make pressed sandwiches.
- You do not need an open-flat grill or high-heat capability.
- The BGR820 and BGR820XL model distinction is unclear in the listing.
4. Hamilton Beach Panini Press & Gourmet Sandwich Maker 25462Z: best budget dedicated press
Best for: People who primarily want hot pressed sandwiches and prefer simple operation over interchangeable plates and advanced controls.
Why it stands out: The Hamilton Beach 25462Z uses fixed nonstick plates and a 1,400-watt heating system. Retailer specifications identify a 10-by-8-inch cooking surface, a floating top plate, a locking cover, a ready light, upright storage, and a one-year warranty. Lowe’s describes its capacity as one large sandwich, two regular sandwiches, or two quesadillas.
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The trade-off is simplicity. There is no documented temperature adjustment in the cited specifications, and the plates are fixed. Cleanup means wiping the cooking surfaces in place rather than removing them for a dishwasher cycle. That makes this a good dedicated panini tool, but a less capable choice for cooks who want to control heat for meat, vegetables, eggs, or pancakes.
Rank #3
- VERSATILITY ON YOUR COUNTERTOP: The Panini Press and Gourmet Sandwich Maker is great for making a variety of hot savory sandwiches, paninis, quesadillas, personal pizzas, open-face sandwiches and appetizers.
- FITS LARGER SANDWICHES AND QUESADILLAS: The 10" x 8" nonstick top and bottom grill plates fit two quesadillas, one large sandwich or two regular-sized sandwiches. The plates are ribbed to leave grill marks on your sandwiches and other foods.
- EVENLY PRESS SANDWICHES: This hot sandwich maker features a floating top plate to accommodate and evenly press sandwiches whether they're thin or piled high. Great for making thick sandwiches like Reubens and subs.
- EASILY MELTS CHEESE: Lock the cover in place above food to melt cheese on open-face sandwiches, or lock completely open when reheating pizza or making bruschetta.
- COMPACT UPRIGHT STORAGE The storage latch locks the sandwich maker closed to compactly store in a kitchen cabinet, drawer or on your countertop.
Hamilton Beach retailer pricing was not treated as a stable canonical price in the research, so a current price is best checked at the time of purchase. Also read the manual for the exact model before cooking raw food. Safety guidance for one panini-press model should not automatically be generalized to every press, and a sandwich maker should never be assumed suitable for raw-meat cooking without model-specific instructions.
Choose it if
- You want a dedicated press rather than a multi-function grill.
- You typically make one large or two regular sandwiches.
- You value a floating lid, locking cover, and upright storage.
- You are willing to wipe fixed plates after cooking.
Look elsewhere if
- You want dishwasher-safe removable plates.
- You need adjustable heat or open-flat cooking.
- You regularly cook foods beyond sandwiches.
5. Chefman Multifunctional 180° Grill + Panini Press, 4-Slice: best budget capacity
Best for: Budget shoppers who want to prepare multiple sandwiches without moving up to a premium multi-grill.
Why it stands out: The Chefman 4-slice panini press, model RJ02-180-4-R, is a 1,000-watt panini press and indoor grill that opens 180 degrees. Chefman lists a floating hinge, ready-indicator LEDs, a removable drip tray, a cool-touch handle, nonstick cooking surfaces, compact storage, dimensions of 10 by 12 by 5 inches, and a one-year assurance. Its four-slice designation gives it a useful capacity advantage over many compact presses.
Food Network named a Chefman electric panini grill its best value in 2026, praising the compact design, two-sandwich capacity, quick preheating, thick handle, and open-flat operation. However, the tested unit had fixed plates and no temperature adjustment, and the current four-slice RJ02-180-4-R must be verified against that tested model before those observations are treated as exact model-specific results. The manufacturer’s current product listing confirms the four-slice model’s core specifications, but model names in retailer listings can be confusing.
Do not confuse the RJ02-180-4-R with Chefman’s separate two-slice or digital models. The four-slice version is the relevant choice for capacity, while the exact plate design, controls, and included features should be checked in the listing photographs and specifications.
The listed price snapshot is $49.99. At that level, the Chefman is attractive for dorms, small households, occasional entertaining, or anyone who wants to make two sandwiches at once without paying for a full-size premium grill. The fixed or non-adjustable cooking setup, if present on the purchased variant, is the main limitation compared with the Cuisinart, GreenPan, or Breville.
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Choose it if
- You need capacity for multiple sandwiches at a low price.
- You want a press that can open flat.
- A removable drip tray matters more to you than removable plates.
- You have limited storage space.
Look elsewhere if
- You need independently adjustable temperature.
- You want removable cooking plates for the easiest deep cleaning.
- You are relying on Food Network’s test results without first confirming the exact model.
One compact alternative: Dash Pocket Sandwich Maker
The Dash Pocket Sandwich Maker is worth considering when storage size and single-serving convenience matter more than surface area. Food Network named it the best pocket sandwich maker in its February 2026 tested roundup. Its narrow format serves a different purpose from the five full-size presses above: it is a compact alternative for making individual pocket-style sandwiches, not a replacement for a wide open-flat grill or a multi-function griddle.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to look for in a panini press
Dedicated press or multi-function grill?
A dedicated press is usually simpler, cheaper, and easier to store. It is the logical choice if the appliance will make grilled cheese, panini, quesadillas, and similar sandwiches almost exclusively. A multi-function grill costs more and occupies more space, but it can add open-flat grilling, griddle cooking, searing, waffles, or other uses that justify the footprint.
Floating hinge versus fixed lid
A floating or adjustable hinge is important for thick sandwiches. It lets the cover rise over taller bread and fillings while maintaining contact, rather than crushing the top half or leaving an unevenly toasted sandwich. The Cuisinart, Chefman, Hamilton Beach, GreenPan, and Breville materials document a floating, adjustable, or height-controlled cover in some form. Check the exact model because similar product families can use different hinge designs.
Temperature control
Fixed heat can be perfectly adequate for basic sandwiches, but adjustable or independent controls become more valuable when the appliance will cook burgers, vegetables, eggs, pancakes, or other foods. The GreenPan and Breville are the strongest choices here because they document independent or electronic temperature control. The Cuisinart adds digital controls and a sear function. Budget presses generally trade that flexibility for lower cost and simpler operation.
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- 4 Slice Indoor Grill : Features two large 11" × 9.8" plates, perfect for cooking 4 sandwiches or up to 6 paninis at once. Opens 180° for grilling steaks, veggies, and more—ideal for family meals or gatherings.
- Adjustable Temperature Control: Set the perfect heat (120–428°F) for every recipe. Intelligent temperature control ensures even cooking and auto-stops heating when the set temperature is reached to avoid burning.
- Non-Stick Plates with Drip Tray: The non-stick surface ensures easy food release and cleanup. A removable drip tray collects excess grease, helping you cook healthier meals with less mess.
- LED Indicators: Red light shows power on, green light indicates heating. The green light turns off once the set temperature is reached, so you know when it’s time to cook.
- Compact & Safe Design: With a cool-touch handle and anti-slip feet, it's safe and stable during use. With its compact size, fast preheating, versatile cooking, and easy cleanup, it's your efficient go-to helper for everyday meals.
Removable plates and cleanup
Removable dishwasher-safe plates are one of the clearest quality-of-life differences between models. The Cuisinart, GreenPan, and Breville document removable plates, and the Cuisinart and Breville specifically document dishwasher-safe grates or plates. The Hamilton Beach 25462Z uses fixed plates, and the Chefman unit evaluated by Food Network used fixed plates, so those appliances require careful wipe-down cleaning after they cool.
A removable drip tray is helpful for grease and crumbs, but it is not equivalent to removable plates. Before buying, check whether the tray, plates, and accessories can actually be removed and whether the manual permits dishwasher cleaning.
Open-flat cooking and counter clearance
Open-flat operation expands a press into a small grill or griddle and can increase the usable cooking surface. The Cuisinart, GreenPan, Breville, and Chefman document open-flat capability. The Breville’s open position provides 260 square inches of cooking surface. The benefit comes with a space requirement: measure not only the appliance’s stored dimensions but also the counter depth and overhead clearance needed when the lid is fully open.
Capacity: slices, sandwiches, or surface area?
Manufacturers and retailers do not describe capacity consistently. Four slices may refer to four pieces of bread rather than four complete sandwiches. Hamilton Beach’s specification is more explicit: one large sandwich, two regular sandwiches, or two quesadillas. Surface dimensions are a different measurement again. Compare the actual cooking area and intended sandwich count rather than assuming that a larger slice number always means more usable space.
Food safety and the manual
Panini presses vary in their heating systems, plate surfaces, grease management, and approved uses. Follow the manual for the exact model, especially before cooking raw meat. At least one Hamilton Beach panini-press manual warns that the appliance is not intended for raw meats; that warning should not be applied to every panini press, but it is a useful reason not to assume that an indoor sandwich maker is automatically an indoor meat grill. Use a separate, approved appliance when the manufacturer does not authorize the food or cooking method.
Which panini press should you buy?
- Choose the Cuisinart Griddler Five for the best balance of sandwich performance, versatility, controls, and cleanup.
- Choose the GreenPan Elite if you want the broadest combination of grill, griddle, sear, and waffle functions and can accept the premium price.
- Choose the Breville Smart Grill if high heat, electronic control, removable plates, and a large open-flat grill matter more than budget or compactness.
- Choose the Hamilton Beach 25462Z if you want a straightforward dedicated panini press with a floating lid and upright storage.
- Choose the Chefman RJ02-180-4-R if making multiple sandwiches cheaply is the main goal.
- Choose the Dash Pocket Sandwich Maker only when a single-serving pocket format and very small storage footprint are more important than versatility.
Before you place the order
- Confirm the full model number, not just the product family name.
- Check whether the listing is for the U.S. version and whether the voltage is appropriate.
- Verify the included plate set, especially for the GreenPan waffle bundle and Cuisinart Griddler variants.
- Confirm whether plates are removable and dishwasher-safe or require hand wiping.
- Measure storage space with the appliance closed and counter clearance with it open flat.
- Review the exact manual’s food-safety restrictions before cooking raw meat.
- Check the current seller, price, warranty, and stock status because all can change after publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a panini press the same as an indoor grill?
Not always. A dedicated panini press is designed mainly for sandwiches, while models such as the Cuisinart, GreenPan, Breville, and Chefman can open flat or otherwise support broader grill and griddle use. Check the exact model’s controls, plate design, cooking area, and manual rather than relying on the product name alone.
Are removable plates worth paying more for?
Usually, yes, if the press will be used often. Removable dishwasher-safe plates make it easier to clean melted cheese, oil, and crumbs. Fixed plates can still work well for occasional sandwiches, but they require careful wipe-down cleaning and make it harder to reach around the hinge.
Can I cook raw meat on a panini press?
Only if the manual for that exact model permits it and provides appropriate food-safety guidance. Panini presses are not interchangeable, and at least one Hamilton Beach model warns against raw meats. Do not infer permission from the fact that a press has grill plates.
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The term can mean four slices of bread rather than four complete sandwiches. Capacity descriptions vary. For example, Hamilton Beach explicitly describes its 10-by-8-inch surface as suitable for one large sandwich, two regular sandwiches, or two quesadillas. Always compare the stated sandwich capacity and cooking-surface dimensions.
The Bottom Line
The Cuisinart Griddler Five is the safest all-around recommendation because it adds genuine grill and griddle utility without the premium pricing of the GreenPan or Breville. Choose the GreenPan for maximum configuration flexibility, the Breville for high-control grilling, the Hamilton Beach for uncomplicated sandwich pressing, and the Chefman for low-cost four-slice capacity. Whatever the category, verify the exact SKU, plate bundle, manual, current price, and stock status before checkout.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
